EXCLUSIVE! Ben’s Pan Am Diary: Final Preparations

This is the sixth installment inBen Michaelson's diary, relating his experiences as a member of the US Pan American Games team.

By Ben Michaelson

ATHLETES' VILLAGE, Santo Domingo, August 9. WITH the competition just two days away, everyone here is making final preparations for some awesome swimming.

Yes, the water is still very warm, but we're getting used to it and we'll be fine no matter what the water
temperature is. Today is my last double: I swam my main workout this morning, which was basically a long warm-up and 2 x 25's from the blocks. Tonight I'll loosen up and that will be pretty much it.

We're finding lots of interesting ways to stay occupied in the Village. When we're not eating, sleeping or swimming, we watch movies, play cards and
watch TV (en espanol, claro que si!). Last night, some of us listened to some live music on the stage in the front of the Village.

Sleeping quarters are tight. My apartment has bedrooms of 4, 5, and 6. We're getting by pretty well, but after more than a week, I can only imagine
what the stench of 15 dudes will be like.

It's time for my afternoon nap, then a meeting and workout. Tonight, we might stay at the main venue site and watch some of the track & field events after practice.